Personal Finance + Savvy Living = Save for Tomorrow, Enjoy Today
The winner of the $300 Financial Lent contest sponsored by Prosper.com is Stacey.
The winner of the book God Sleeps in Rwanda is Falling into Favor.
Congratulations! Please email me your first and last name and your address ASAP.
I apologize for announcing the winners so late – the last few weeks have been a whirlwind of interviews and travel. I have MORE giveaways coming up though, so that should be exciting. 
CB and I want to take a vacation to the Galapagos Islands, one of my Big Ticket Travel Dreams. I’ve been dreaming about a jaunt to the famed green isles and emerald waters ever since I’ve heard about the place. Galapagos seems like it would be paradise on earth. Entrance to paradise, however, does not come cheap. An excursion with a quality operator (small tour group, knowledgeable guides, comfortable and safe cruise ship with amenities) costs at least $5,000 per person. See Lindblad’s pricing for example.
It’s expensive, but Galapagos is one of those once-in-a-lifetime trips that I really want to do right. In fact, I want so much to go that I told CB I’d rather have an engagement vacation than an engagement ring. Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend but I’d get to swim with turtles in the Galapagos! Easy decision for me.
CB worked overtime a few weeks ago. He suggested we put that money towards the Galapagos vacation instead of frittering it away on eating out (I love food, but I will LOVE going to the Galapagos). I thanked him for his financial foresight and immediately began pondering the question of two committed-but-unmarried individuals who want to set up a joint savings account for a very specific purpose, i.e. a vacation.
Based on preliminary research, ING Direct Online Accounts appear to be a good option for us. We can even set up sub-accounts for other trips. I want a joint savings account that is completely detached from either one of our individual accounts. A very crass way of thinking about it is: in the unfortunate event that CB or I turn into vindictive and heartless people (because aliens have taken over our bodies, of course), the only money either of us can lose is our contribution to the joint savings account.
Although CB said that he doesn’t mind just transferring the money over to my account, I would feel better if it were an account with both of our names on it. Right now it’s not a big deal, but it might feel a little strange when the account gets to several thousand dollars and it’s still in one person’s name. We could just save for the vacation on our own, then write the check when the time comes (we did this for our Disney World trip). But I think having a joint savings account where we can keep track of our progress will be much more motivating.
image source: naturetrek.co.uk
This post was featured in the Carnival of Personal Finance: Unanswered Questions Edition hosted by Mighty Bargain Hunter
It can be a challenge to find off-the-rack clothes that fit well, especially if you’re a “special” size in the eyes of the retail industry (i.e. petite or plus). I’ve come to realize that it’s worth the money to invest in good clothing alterations.
Last year, I purchased a great olive green vest from Banana Republic, despite the fact that it was about 2 sizes too big for me (don’t ask me why). The vest only cost $19, but I’ve never worn it because it just looked so shapeless on me. Yesterday, I finally headed to the tailor with the vest and a too-big Lilly Pulitzer skirt. The vest needed about 3/4 inch taken in from both sides – $25. The skirt needed 3/4 inches taken in from the back – $20. My $19 vest just became a $44 vest, while the great $30 skirt is now $50.
My trip to the tailor made me understand how expensive clothing alterations can be. Now I am looking through my closet with a critical eye – if I really like something, but it’s ill-fitting, I’m taking it to the tailor for some fabric nip/tuck. It’s going to be expensive, yes, but this process has taught me some really valuable lessons:
I’ve also found some wonderful fashion blogs for petite ladies: Alterations Needed, Really Petite, Extra Petite and Style Pint. I can’t stop reading their blogs – unfortunately they are giving me the shopping bug.
So I haven’t done my Best of Blogs link roundup in a while… must get back on that train. I went to a final interview today (wearing a black suit, of course), where I met with the CEO. The process of job-hunting in a down economy has been a long journey, and I am hopeful that it will culminate in a happy new beginning for me. Please toss a prayer or some good thoughts my way, if you’re so inclined. I’d appreciate it.
Now that I’ve put in my “good vibes” request , let’s get on with the articles I’ve found interesting this week:
If you have articles you’d like to be included in future Best of Blogs, please email me. I look around for posts I like, but I definitely accept self-nominations too.
* blogs are part of the Yakezie Challenge.
It was a small act of giving. The sunlight was almost gone when I heard the rustling outside my apartment. I glanced through the window and saw a man – late 20s or early 30s – by the curb. Dressed in a black T-shirt and a pair of cargo shorts, he picked through the recycling bin, retrieving the glass bottles and cans, then neatly putting everything else back into the container.
After I watched him for a few moments, I realized I had two almost empty bottles of wine sitting the fridge. I ran into the kitchen, rinsed the bottles, then ran outside. The man was already on the other side of the street, peering into the neighbors’ recycle bins. I held up the two bottles and asked him if he’d like to have them. He nodded and gestured to a woman, a few yards beside me, a lady I haven’t noticed was there. She had on a bright persimmon top. She was also looking through the recycling bins, also carrying a large plastic bag.
“I’m his wife,” she explained, holding the bag open for me. I put the two bottles in her bag – they nestled beside a few aluminum cans. The bag sagged a little. “God bless you,” she smiled shyly. I returned her smile, then hurried back into my apartment. Two empty wine bottles seem to be a too small act of giving to deserve such blessing. Giving is such a funny thing. Most of the days, I’m chagrined to admit, I don’t really think about the different ways I can contribute. But that afternoon, with that couple and their bags of glass and aluminum, something changed. I wish I had more bottles to give to this couple, whose story I can imagine but I will not know. I wish I had more bottles – more something – to give.
When I looked outside the window again, they were gone, probably making their way down the block. Tomorrow is trash pickup day and there would be many recycle bins by the curb.
This post was included in Yakezie Carnival #5 hosted by Mrs. Frugal
The perfect black suit is a staple in any professional woman’s wardrobe. This weekend, I bought a brand-new black suit from Banana Republic. It cost quite a bit ($140 for the blazer, $55 for the pencil skirt, and $55 for the matching shift dress, and that’s including a 30% in-store coupon). However, I’ve had my current suit since 2004, and I figured with all the interviews I’ve been having that it’s time for a new ensemble.
Why the perfect black suit?
Although there are many great dark neutrals (charcoal gray is one of my favorites, navy can also be very chic), it’s a rare woman who cannot benefit from a well-structured black suit. Black is sleek, versatile, and professional – it’s a stylish body of armor in which we are prepared to take on the world. When I put on a black suit, I am ready to do battle get the job, close the deal, make the case.
With that said, here is my guide to buying the perfect black suit for women:
1. What to buy: If possible, I’d like to buy all 3-4 pieces of the black suit in the same fabric: the blazer, the skirt, the pants, (and possibly the sheath dress / tank dress). I didn’t buy the pants this weekend because I have a pair of pants in the same wool at home. Having a variety of matching pieces will help you mix-and-match to get the most wear out of your suiting.
2. Fabric: I prefer a lightweight wool suit that is suitable (pun intended!) for three seasons of the year. Wool is considered the most professional and conservative fabric choice for a suit. Even though there are many cute options in cotton satin or linen, wool is a far “safer” and more durable choice. Avoid blends with too much polyester. I like my suit to have a hint of a stretch, so I find the 4% Elastane in the Banana Republic suit appealing.
3. Style: Classic is the way to go for a professional black suit, especially if you only have one. Of course, if you get a second suit you can be a little more adventurous with the styling.
3. Fit: This is the most important aspect of a suit. If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t look good. It can be a challenge buying blazers for me – most of the time I get that unsightly gap under my arms because the armholes are cut too large. So I was very happy when I found a blazer in my size – and no tailoring needed! That made paying $140 a little easier. But if you need a tailor, go get one. The money will be well worth it. Tailoring = looking like a million bucks.
4. Where to buy: I’ve seen nice black suits for reasonable prices at Banana Republic, J.Crew, Ann Taylor, and Ann Taylor Loft (use coupons liberally, if you can). If you have the budget to splurge a bit, I’ve heard very good things about Theory or Tahari. Those who want a more feminine cut cannot go wrong with Nanette Lepore (although I’ve seen the prices. And they scare me).
If you are not a fan of chocolate like I am, you might be slightly confused by the concept of a chocolate budget… but if you love all things chocolate (like I do), then I’m guessing you understand where I’m coming from.
(Doesn’t this picture pluck at your heartstrings taste buds?)
My love for chocolate is quite democratic. I love artisan chocolates garnished with exotic or unconventional ingredients such as sea salt, bacon, or pepper, but I also will happily munch on peanut M&M’s or Hershey’s Kisses.
Every time I wander by a Godiva store, I am compelled to go in… it’s almost as if the Mother Ship is calling me home! I try not to buy anything, though, a small box of two truffles cost almost $5. Still, every month a bit of my budget goes to chocolate-related goodies: hot cocoa mix, candy, cupcakes, ice cream, or yogurt… you get the idea. Most of the times I head to Trader Joe’s for its offerings.
That’s why today was such a happy day. Last month, I gave my boyfriend a AAA membership for Valentine’s Day. To thank me for purchasing the gift membership, AAA gave me the option of a certificate for a free 1-pound box of See’s candies or… something else (I stopped paying attention after I read that chocolate is one of the choices).
So today CB and I went to a See’s store and picked out a customized 1-pound box filled with goodies (my favorite is dark chocolate so the dark nougats and the dark pineapple butter cream were especially delicious). Now I will try my hardest to make the entire box last longer than 3 days. No promises, though.
image source: flickr.com
Taking and prepping for standardized tests isn’t cheap, fortunately, there are many free study resources available online. I’ve taken advantage of most of these resources when I was preparing for my test last year. Hopefully you will find them helpful as well.
Free Online Study Materials
Free Practice Tests: Best resources for learning to execute under time-pressure.
Forums: Online spaces where you can ask questions or share insights with other GMAT-takers.
This post was featured in Carnival of Personal Finance #249: Pirates vs. Ninjas vs. Nuns vs. Robots vs. Real Estate Agents
Why Santa Barbara? Well, I have an interview half an hour away from the city, so I decided to visit my friend in beautiful Santa Barbara for a few days after the interview. Santa Barbara has been called the American Riviera for its beautiful beaches, charming downtown, and exorbitant prices! Fortunately I’ll be staying with my friend, so at least I can save on the lodging costs.
(For those of you keeping up, the job search is still going on. I am waiting to hear back from a few places, going on interviews, and chatting to recruiters. The job search is at once exciting and unsettling – I can feel a marked improvement in the job market compared to a few months ago, and I’m excited about the potential jobs I’ve applied for and interviewed for. Still, while interviews are easier to come by the competition for an offer remains intense – wish me luck!).
In preparation for my trip, I’ve found several things for those will be visiting Santa Barbara on a budget:
Hotels - It’s not cheap to stay in a slice of Santa Barbara, fortunately, if you are forgiving of tight spaces, thin towels, and perhaps lumpy beds, you can find cool and funky motels to stay in without breaking the bank.
Dine - I love food, and Santa Barbara does not disappoint. I’ve had very good French food in this city (although not on a budget). If you can, I’d suggest you splurge at least once when you’re in the city.
Play – What’s a vacation without some fun? Santa Barbara has a lot of places that visitors can go to for free or for cheap.
image source: wikipedia.org
My earliest memory of personal finance (though I didn’t know the term at the time) was when I was in middle school. My mother had always told me the importance of saving, but one afternoon, she pulled me aside and took out a few sheets of paper – the amortization schedule for the 30-year mortgage on our first home.
To read more, click here Show AND Tell: How to Raise Financially Responsible Kids
This is a guest post by Mr. Credit Card of www.askmrcreditcard.com, a website on credit card offers and deals. Today, he is highlighting some of the money saving tips that has helped Mrs. Credit Card and him on their shopping trips. The opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author (Mr. Credit Card).
1. Go to a sales tax free state – I live in Pennsylvania in the Delaware County. State of Delaware is just a 30 minute drive away for me. Whenever there is a big ticket item to be purchased, Mrs. Credit Card and I consider if we should drive to Delaware where there is no sales tax. We have done so for things like buying wine and alcohol beverage for a party where the savings can be substantial. If you are looking to buy an Apple computer, such a trip would be worth it because it could mean a 6% savings just on sales tax. [editor's edit: as comments have pointed out, this practice may be illegal / unethical. Follow your conscience (and the law) in this matter].
2. Get store employees to get discount – This is one of our favorite techniques to save money. For example, we presently know someone who works in Macy’s in Delaware. She is able to get discounts as a staff employee, on top of current sale prices. For example, a kids size North Face Denali Jacket was priced at $84.99 and there is an additional 50% off. With her employee discount, she got my son a toasty jacket at a cool $30! Beat that! [editor's edit: when I worked at a clothing retailer in high school, employees were given 50% discount for themselves and 30% discount for their friends and families. I assume Mr. Credit Card is referring to the above situation. Obviously, if using discounts for any friend is against the rules, it's not so nice to ask your friend to risk their jobs for you.]
3. Buy kids size if you are petite – Mrs. Credit Card is rather petite. So she finds it hard to shop at regular stores. Very often, she finds stuff at the kids sections. For some reason, a kids size clothing may be the identical size as an adult XS but cost substantially less. One example is the North Face Denali fleece jacket that Mrs. Credit Card has. The XS in the adult section is exactly the same size as the Large for kids. Yet the one in the kids section is cheaper! So if you are petite, you could potentially save money simply because of your size. Check the kid section and not just XS in the adult section.
4. Make use of student discounts – Many stores give discounts for students. I recently got an Apple laptop (the MacBook Pro). I got a friend’s girlfriend to product her student ID and I got discounts on the computer and the Apple Care Protection warranty. Funny thing was I was advised to do so by the people at Apple! The catch was that this student could not use her student ID to get any discounts from Apple for one year. There are lots of places that give discounts if you can produce a student ID card (never throw them away!). Make use of them cos the savings you can get are quite good.
5. Make use of business discounts – Many stores also give discounts for business or bulk purchases, especially in electronics. If you are going to buy a high priced item, check if the store gives business discount. I know for a fact that Apple gives a discount for business purchases over $5,000 dollars. Some stores may require that you get a store credit card to get a discount. If the savings is large enough, then it might not be such a bad idea. Always ask. You’ll be surprised with how you can save money shopping.
6. Make use of credit card shopping portal – This is one of the money saving tips that nobody really talks about – a hidden gem, if you will. Many credit cards (Chase Freedom, Discover, Citi mtvU) have introduced online shopping portals. If you log into your account and go to the online retailers site via your credit card account and use the card, you could get cash rebates and discounts. They range from 2% to as high as 20%. This could really add up to quite a bit. Using the Apple computer as an example, you could shop at apple.com through your Discover account and earn 5% rebates. Plus you could also make use of your student or business discount. That is what I would call “discount stacking”! Just like coupon stacking! These portals also allow you to save at places like Lands Ends, Best Buy, Overstock etc. When you shop this way when they are giving away free shipping, the savings and convenience really adds up. Aside from using shopping portals, simply using cash back rewards credit cards will already save you money via cash rebates.
7. Use credit card warranties and protection – Most credit card companies offer some form of protection and insurance when you use their card for your purchases. For example, you could get a product loss or accidental damage protection for up to 90 days. You could also get extended warranty feature. This can save you some money from purchasing additional warranty. All of the cards out there, American Express credit cards probably have the best warranty feature.
8. Look out for deals and coupons – I’ve used coupons at grocery stores and other retailers. Supercuts is giving $2 discount for any haircut (equal $6 for 3 kids) and 20% off additional services. Another coupon is $5 off total bill for party of 2 or more and $10 off total bill for party of 4 or more at a local restaurant. Although we hardly eat at McDonald’s, those coupons can also shave your bill into half easily. Bed Bath and Beyond also has an ongoing 20% discount off any purchase (any amount and even applies to Sale & Clearance items) and they always accept expired coupons. I always keep them when they come in the mail as they come in handy.
9. Shop in outlets – My guess is there is probably one near you within an hour drive. It’s not a shopping trip you want to make every week. However, one trip every 3 to 6 months can save you money and keep you in style. Also, time your trip during their “sales” period and you’ll save even more. Most of the stores have additional discounts in January and July. Call ahead and find out. Mrs CC once bought the cutest pair of Disney sandals for our little girl for less than $3 and Levi jeans for the kids for $4 a pair. Insane. If you are into designer brands, even Uggs, North Face, Under Armor, Gucci, Prada (the list goes on) are in the outlets. Check out www.outletbound.com.
image source: wikipedia.org
You’ve probably heard the term Yakezie floating around the personal finance blogosphere. Don’t worry, it’s not a club where rites of initiation include a blood bonding test and “wolf pack” speech a la The Hangover. It’s just a group of bloggers who joined the Yakezie Challenge to help each other, improve our Alexa rankings, and have some fun.
But the real reason I joined? It’s because of the badge! I was never cool enough in high school to join a club with a badge. And look at me now. 
Who ever said personal finance is not cool?
For this link roundup, I’ve decided to highlight some Yakezie Challenge member personal finance blogs:
$100 Amazon Gift Card Mr. Rebates Giveaway Winner: Kathleen! Please email me at your earliest convenience with your full name and mailing address.
Don’t forget that I currently have 2 contests going on: One for $300 CASH and one for a free book: God Sleeps In Rwanda. Both giveaways end on March 19.
Over the weekend, a friend (“Sandy”) and I went shopping for mattresses. After 10 years of sleeping on the same spring mattress, Sandy has decided it’s time to upgrade. I decided to tag along.
Shopping for mattresses can be hectic – you are trying to decide on a piece of furniture that will arguably have the biggest impact on your life. An uncomfortable couch makes you uncomfortable maybe 3-4 hours a day. An uncomfortable bed, on the other hand, will hurt you for 6-9 hours and make you feel badly for the rest of your day.
Adding to that, most mattress places don’t have standardized coding for the beds they sell, and unlike car shopping, there are no published MSRP guidelines to help you negotiate a fair price for your mattress. So it’s difficult to compare Bed A from Company A to Bed B from Company B. I’m glad that I’m not the one who needs to buy a mattress right now.
We stopped in a Sit ‘n Sleep. There we tested several mattresses at different price points. Sandy’s maximum price is around $500, but just for the heck of it we tried out a few mattresses in the $2,000 plus range. We might not be able to afford them, but laying on them and daydreaming is free, right?
Trying out mattresses might be the best part of shopping for mattresses. Some of the expensive models were comfortable, some of them were really comfortable, but one in particular, the Aireloom Luxury Latex, was amazing. That mattress somehow managed to be supportive and firm but soft and luxurious at the same time. Felt like you were laying on a cloud… it was difficult to keep my eyes open!
At $2,000, the Aireloom was much more than either of us could spend, but we still lounged on the mattress for a good 15 minutes. We also tried out a few pricier Aireloom models that sells for $4,000 or $5,000 but didn’t find them as comfortable as the Luxury Latex one.
Though $2,000 is a lot of money, I can imagine myself buying a mattress that cost that much if I absolutely loved it (and if reviews indicate that the foam wouldn’t just give out on me after a year or two), but only after I have a home of my own and will be settling down in one place for 7-10 years. After all, sleep makes up one-third of our life and has an enormous impact on our quality of life, right? A mattress might be something to splurge on.
God Sleeps In Rwanda: A Journey of Transformation is written by Joseph Sebarenzi, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide in the 1990s and a former speaker of the Rwandan parliament. The title of the book, God Sleeps In Rwanda, comes from an ancient Rwandan saying that means “God spends the day elsewhere, but he sleeps in Rwanda.” This saying can be a double entendre that refers both to Rwanda’s natural beauty and its history of violence.
Sebarenzi, a Tutsi, lost his parents, family members, and friends to the 1994 genocide, when hundreds of thousands of people, mainly Tutsi, were killed by a Hutu-dominated government. Sebarenzi has suffered what one can call unforgivable losses, but in God Sleeps in Rwanda, he tries to find forgiveness in his heart, come to peace with what had happened, and move forward to bring peace to his country.
This book reminded me a bit of Elie Wiesel‘s Night (about the Holocaust) and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn‘s Gulag Archipelago (about the Soviet forced labor camps) in that it’s the narrative of a man who has survived one of the worst violations of human life and dignity in history, and is now in the process of coming to terms with why ordinary men can commit extraordinary horrors.
This is a good book to read. This is a hard book to read. All I can say is – bring out the tissue boxes when you are reading God Sleeps In Rwanda. I tried to read this book in the airport on a trip but got too embarrassed to continue, because I was on the verge of crying my eyes out.
Book is hardcover and in excellent condition (I read it once).
For a chance to win this book, please do the following for up to 5 entries per person:
**If you’ve done any of the above, please leave a comment and let me know so I can count your entries. Deadline is March 19 at midnight PST.
image source: coverbrowser.com
Elizabeth Gilbert, of course, is the best-selling author whose 2006 memoir Eat Pray Love vaulted her on to the Oprah Show, TED conference’s speaker schedule, and the inside of various magazines.
She recently came out with her second memoir, Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage, which combines a fascinating look on the ever-evolving institution of marriage along with her personal questions and doubts about matrimony. I went to Barnes & Noble and finished the book in 2 hours.
Part of the book focused on Gilbert’s hesitations about the financial underpinnings of marriage – she and her husband (the Brazilian gem-dealer “Felipe” in Eat Pray Love) decided to sign a prenuptial agreement. Gilbert admits that in the past, she had a habit of financially supporting the men in her live, including the checks she must still send to her husband (I assume this is alimony / spousal support as they do not have children).
Naturally, this peaked my interest about her former husband. So just for fun, I googled “Elizabeth Gilbert” and “ex husband” and found this:
In this interview, you can listen to Elizabeth Gilbert and former husband Michael Cooper talk about spending their $10,000 nest egg on a lovely small wedding instead of the backyard affair that Gilbert had originally envisioned). The interview begins with Gilbert and her then-husband Michael Cooper sharing a childhood story that illustrated their differing views on money – Gilbert grew up in a household of thrift and constantly worried about money, while Cooper was much laisserz-faire about the topic.
When they were about to get married, Gilbert’s parents gave them a $10,000 windfall. Originally, she wanted to have a simple backyard wedding, then save the $10,000 windfall for the start of a nest egg. Cooper wanted a nicer wedding. They fought and cried and fought. But after much consideration, Gilbert realized that she would regret never dancing at her wedding, and so she and Cooper decided to spend that $10,000 on their wedding. Gilbert concluded by saying she would redo the wedding “even if it had been $100,000″.
Six years later, the marriage between Elizabeth Gilbert and Michael Cooper would be over.
I wonder if money issues had anything to do with the demise of Gilbert’s first marriage, and if she ever regrets the loss of that $10,000. Or if, in the aftermaths of an acrimonious divorce, $10,000 would seem like a small price to pay. The cynic in me thinks the latter – after all, at least they had a nice party. That $10,000 divided by two plus years of inflation probably wouldn’t amount to much in 2010.
For Gilbert’s marriage to “Felipe”, the ceremony was held in their home, with only immediate family members (and the dog) present. “Felipe”, the groom, made food for the reception. Gilbert had to remind him to take off his apron before they spoke their vows.
This post was featured in the 2nd edition of Yakezie Carnival.
Lent is a time of sacrifice and reflection. Here on Well-Heeled Blog, we are holding a Financial Lenten Contest with a $300 cash prize sponsored by Prosper.com, the popular peer-to-peer lending site. Because even the smallest of changes, like Lenten sacrifices, can save you financially. With the biggest giveaway ever hosted on this blog, one lucky reader will get a push towards his or her goal with the $300 cash prize provided by Prosper.com. 
For a chance to win the $300 cash prize, please complete Step 1 and Step 2:
Step 1: Comment on this post on how much you plan to save by Easter (April 4, 2010) and what small changes you would make to realize that goal. [you must complete this step in order to enter the contest].
Step 2: Please do the following up more entries:
(A) up to 15 entries = Follow @WellHeeledBlog and tweet this giveaway up to 15 times (1 tweet counted per day) with this message: I want to win $300 Cash @WellHeeledBlog See http://tinyurl.com/300prosper to enter!
(B) 5 entries = blog about this giveaway, include in your post these 2 links: http://www.wellheeledblog.com/2010/03/01/win-300-cash-prosper/ and http://prosper.com
(C) 5 entries = spread the word on Facebook by writing about this giveaway on your wall, include these 2 links: http://www.wellheeledblog.com/2010/03/01/win-300-cash-prosper/ and http://prosper.com
(D) 5 entries = write a review of Well-Heeled Blog on Alexa – it will help me make this site better, so I really thank you in advance for taking the time to review.
(E) 5 entries = sign up for Well-Heeled Blog’s RSS updates or email updates. If you are already a subscriber, just let me know and you will be counted.
**If you’ve done any of the above, please leave a comment and let me know how you have entered so I can count your entries. Remember, you must complete Step 1 to enter the contest.
Deadline is Friday March 19 at midnight PST. Good luck. Thank you for entering this contest and thanks to Prosper.com for making this possible!